I shouldn’t have felt that way. I was with my brother. And my father was there physically, even if he spent it with a bottle in his hand, looking at me like he couldn’t stand the sight of me. But I’ve learned it’s possible to be surrounded by people and still feel alone.
“I did.”
He nods, not pressing for more information. “Well, thank you for being here.”
“Of course.”
He checks the time and sighs, slowly pulling himself to his feet. “I should get going. Early morning tomorrow. If you want, Ican leave these here so you can look through them.” He gestures toward the books.
“I’d like that.”
I rise to my feet and walk him to his car, the cold night air brushing against my skin as we step outside. He’s halfway down the steps when the door to the townhouse beside mine opens and Claire walks out with a petite blonde, both of them dressed in jeans and somewhat revealing tops.
Claire spots me instantly and freezes, her eyes locked on mine as if unable to look away. My jaw tightens as I take in the curve of her hips, focusing on the sliver of skin where her top rides up. She looks like sin and salvation wrapped into one confusing, infuriating package.
Thankfully, Joshua doesn’t seem to notice me eye-fucking his best friend. Instead, he grins and walks over to her, wrapping her in a hug.
“You two going out?”
“We are,” the blonde says. “I’ve had the client from hell all week and need a damn drink. So does she.” She hooks her thumb at Claire, then shifts her attention toward me. “You must be Joshua’s father. Claire mentioned you’re renting my brother’s place.”
Joshua turns toward Claire. “I didn’t think I’d told you yet.”
“We ran into each other this morning when I went for a run.” She smiles nonchalantly as a car pulls up to the curb. “That’s our ride.”
“Don’t get into too much trouble tonight,” Joshua says with a wink.
“No promises,” Claire retorts.
“Text me when you get home so I know you’re safe. Okay?”
“Of course.”
He places a soft kiss on her cheek, and I clench my fists over the idea of him being able to feel her perfect skin while all I can do is watch.
I’m about to offer to take them wherever they’re going myself so she doesn’t have to get into the car with a complete stranger, but I don’t. It’s not my place.
Instead, I remain silent as she climbs into the back seat, her eyes briefly meeting mine before she closes the door.
I steal a glance at Joshua as we both watch the car pull away.
There’s no doubt in my mind.
We’re both thinking about the same thing.
We’re both thinking about Claire.
Except he’s just thinking about her as a friend.
And I’m thinking about her in a way I shouldn’t.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CLAIRE
By the timeDylan and I slide into a booth in the corner of the bar, I’ve already downed half my martini. I can’t get it into me fast enough. The alcohol goes down smooth, but my nerves stay jagged. My cheeks are hot, my pulse still racing from seeing Declan again.
The way he looked at me… So much heat. So much want.
